The music scene in Abu Dhabi is quite varied – with categories such as oriental, electronic, rock, hip hop and many more. While the nation’s capital does cater to many different musical tastes, up until recently
it seemed one group was being neglected. Many jazz aficionados recall hotspots that were open over a decade ago, back when the city had a healthy selection of live jazz performances. Carla Mirza, a Lebanese expat living in Abu Dhabi, reminisces about the mid ’90s: ‘We were regulars at Colosseum in the Tourist Club Area. Back then, they had a fantastic live band.’
But is there anywhere that has decent jazz in the nation’s capital now? TOAD hit the bars to find out.
Jazz Bar & Dining, Hilton Abu Dhabi
The first spot we visit is, by many accounts, the classic choice. Open since 1997, Jazz Bar & Dining has always been known to have a live band that belt out jazzy tunes six nights a week. The venue is nearly packed when we visit on a Tuesday night, yet a waiter immediately seats us at a table. The band on stage are Maximum, a seven-member group composed of varying nationalities. The band performs on a large elevated center stage and the décor follows a white theme. All around you can notice nice little jazz details, such as the note shaped napkin holders on the tables and the painted piano keys on the floor.
Thirty minutes into our visit, we are disappointed that we still haven’t heard any actual jazz. The song list so far has consisted of more international flavours. Nevertheless, we do note that the crowd are smiling and thoroughly enjoying the performance. There’s even a female vocal version of Maroon 5’s ‘Moves Like Jagger’ that has a few people get up to dance between the closely spaced tables. Eventually a few jazz classics do pop up between the mainstream songs and they are performed well.
Jazz Bar & Dining is open Sun-Wed 7pm-12.30am; Thu-Fri 7pm-1.30am. Table reservations available. Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900).
Mood Indigo, Mercure Centre Hotel
A quaint little bar, tucked away on the first floor of the Mercure Centre Hotel on Hamdan Street, Mood Indigo hosts a surprisingly good live ensemble. The band Cool’s The Rule play every Friday from 8.30pm until midnight, delivering an evening of smooth jazz. The venue is a cozy wooden L-shaped bar, with a faux fireplace at one end. The bandstand is situated conveniently in the corner, with a classic black piano set centre-stage.
The waiters are friendly and the general mood is very amiable. Whether you go solo, with a loved one, or a group of friends, you are sure to enjoy a pleasant evening at Mood Indigo. The only fault we can find is that the venue is rather smokey, so any staunch non-smokers should be forewarned. Nevertheless, if you can brave the fumes, the band is worth a visit.
Mood Indigo is open daily from midday-2am. Mercure Centre Hotel (02 633 3555).
Jazz’n Fizz Bar, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Jazz’n Fizz Bar, the latest on the scene, is sensational. The venue itself is exquisitely designed; the open space is dotted with comfortable couches and an impressive bar. The attentive staff seat us near the corner, where a small stage is set up for a one-man-show. The performer, Joaquin, is holding a saxophone and playing so sublimely that we instantly sit down and listen. Midway into his performance, we note that there is also a keyboard and a clarinet near him. After two mesmerising songs, he puts down the sax and turns to the keyboards. Playing against a recorded backdrop of base and percussion, his piano skills have us enthralled.
Over the next hour, it is clear this performer, aged 23, is raw talent personified.
Any city dweller that considers themselves a true jazz lover cannot miss this performance. Set against such an aesthetically pleasing venue, the musical styling of Joaquin is bound to satisfy any music fan with a discerning ear. Even if you’re not there for the melodies, the whole experience offered up by Jazz’n Fizz is too pleasing to miss. Having opened only in April this year, we’re sure this venue is going to be a favorite with the evening crowds.
Jazz’n Fizz Bar is open daily from 5pm-2am. Joaquin plays from 8pm-midnight every day except Monday. Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche (02 813 7777).
